There should be a slew of Italians on hand when the Knicks play their preseason opener Oct. 8 in Toronto - the first showdown between Italy's two stars, Danilo Gallinari and Andrea Bargnani. It will be Gallinari's Knicks debut and his first battle against his countryman.

There were some scouts raving before the draft that Gallinari, selected sixth this past June, will be a better player than the 6-11 Bargnani, selected No. 1 overall in 2006 by Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo. Colangelo has told friends he believes Bargnani will have the better career.

When Andrea came into NBA, many stories were around of the italian stallion, next Dirk Nowitzki if not better. Gallinari didn't play a game in NBA, we shall see how he adapts to 82 games season. Gallinari got injured quickly during summer league, can he hold his own for 82 games?